Key takeaways
Bepotastine (Bepreve) and olopatadine (Pataday) are both antihistamine eye drops used to relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. However, there are several differences between the two medications. Bepotastine (Bepreve) is available by prescription only, while olopatadine (Pataday) can be purchased over the counter. Bepotastine is typically used twice a day, with one drop in the affected eye(s), whereas olopatadine offers more flexibility with three different strengths: a 0.1% solution used twice daily, and 0.2% and 0.7% solutions used once daily. Both medications require you to remove contact lenses before use. Common side effects of bepotastine include an unpleasant taste in the mouth, while olopatadine may cause blurry vision and a feeling like something is in the eye.
